A worker with the light department discusses how repairs are made to powerlines by showing a model of the connections on a power pole.
CHENEY – More than 300 people came out in the rain to see and learn about a variety of trucks gathered at Cheney Middle School on Sept. 18.
The chilly morning air didn't stop folks from attending the free event from 10 a.m. to noon that allowed children and adults alike to check out the showcased apparatus.
Cheney Parks and Recreation started the "Touch A Truck" event in 2019, and was able to host the event again this year after having to cancel last year due to COVID city Recreation Director Kelly McGinley-Ashe said.
McGinley-Ashe said the department had an open call for trucks in 2019 and had a great turnout for vehicles to showcase.
Local vehicles along with trucks from Spokane, Pullman and other nearby towns answered the call to help get this event established.
"Almost everybody from the first year came back this time," recreation coordinator Alyssa Gonzalez said.
Many of the showcased trucks are used by first responders such as police SUVs, ambulances and fire apparatus.
"It's one of my favorite events because you can see the kids smile and laugh when they see the lights and hear the sirens," Cheney Fire Lt. Nathan Henson said. "More importantly, we get to teach them about a lot of the equipment we use as first responders."
Some of the trucks shown were for heavy construction, such as the dual trailer material haulers, and one of the city Light Department trucks used for setting poles with an auger attachment.
"We get a lot of kids and adults alike coming to learn about these rigs, and part of that is because these industrial vehicles really keep our communities going and people have a genuine interest in that," Light Department journeyman lineman Dan Holtan said.
McGinley-Ashe said the parks department hopes to expand on this event in the future and bring in more trucks and sponsors as this turnout was a huge success for them.
"This event was the first of it's kind for Cheney when we introduced it, and we want to keep it growing for the residents of Cheney and neighboring communities," she said.
The Parks Department will be hosting a "Trick or Treat Trail" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 2.
Reporter Matthew O. Stephens can be reached at [email protected]
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